Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Family: Matrimonial Finance - London (Bar)

4
Band 4

What the Team is Known For

A recognised specialist set for private and public children's law and matrimonial finance proceedings. Barristers here are sought out by those seeking representation across the full spectrum of children law cases. Their areas of expertise extend to inquiries into historic sexual abuse, care proceedings involving FGM, radicalisation, abuse, child death and severe mental health problems, among others. Members are further experienced in private children's work, and frequently deal with the most complex cases concerning relocation, abduction, leave to remove, allegations of domestic abuse and wardship proceedings. The set is regularly instructed in high-value divorce proceedings, and has an ultra high net worth clientele which includes members of foreign royal families. One source says: "1GC is a very distinguished set." Another adds: "The set has excellent barristers covering a wide range of family law disciplines."

Paul Harris is the senior clerk.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Charles Geekie
Charles Geekie
Star Individuals

Charles Geekie KC is renowned for his handling of extremely complex children matters such as international adoption and abduction. Geekie is engaged to act in serious cases involving allegations of sexual abuse and is well respected for acting in contentious child arrangement disputes. Geekie also sits as a Recorder and a High Court judge.

You can’t better Charles Geekie - he is superb.

He is fantastic at cross-examination and doesn't take bad points.

Sally Stone
Sally Stone
Star Individuals

Sally Stone KC mainly acts in public adoption and care proceedings, representing local authorities, children and parents. She specialises in cases concerning injured children and those surrounding issues of mental health and technical medical evidence.

Sally Stone is extremely hard-working and provides very good client care.

Sally is an exceptional barrister. She's very analytical and a strong, persuasive advocate.

Andrew Bagchi
1
Andrew Bagchi
1
Band 1

Andrew Bagchi routinely represents local authorities in highly sensitive public law cases relating to child abuse, and is particularly well versed in cases involving complex medical evidence. His private law practice also covers issues of sexual and physical abuse and non-accidental injury.

Andrew Bagchi is professional, knowledgeable and also extremely approachable. which I believe to be essential to ensure a client's needs are met.

Andrew is very responsive and approachable. He is a strong advocate.

Andrew is highly regarded and ensures client's interests are effectively represented.

Catherine Jenkins
1
Catherine Jenkins
1
Band 1

Catherine Jenkins handles a range of children law matters, with a particular focus on care proceedings. She regularly represents children, parents and local authorities in cases involving abuse and non-accidental injury. She also offers expertise in disputes involving addiction and matters concerning medical issues.

Catherine is fantastic with clients, ensuring that they fully understand what is happening in their case but reassuring them at the same time, which is so important in difficult proceedings.

Catherine is an excellent barrister; superb in court and kind, calm and reassuring with clients.

1
Eleri Jones
1
Band 1

Eleri Jones enjoys a reputation as a dedicated and analytical practitioner who operates across both private children and financial work. She earns particular praise for her knowledge of European law and the implications of family law in the context of Brexit.

On international family law, you can't get a better barrister.

Eleri Jones is a human encyclopaedia; her knowledge of the law is second to none.

Her preparation and attention to detail are fantastic and I think she has the most flexibility of any barrister in terms of seamlessly handling children and financial cases.

An exceptional talent. Practical, pragmatic and solution-focused, Eleri is a pleasure to work with.

Superbly intelligent with creative insights and a pragmatic approach.

Janet Bazley
1
Janet Bazley
1
Band 1

Janet Bazley KC is highly regarded for her extensive experience of complex children cases. She has notable expertise in cases involving technical medical or forensic evidence. On the private law side of matters, Bazley regularly acts in cases involving jurisdictional issues, and those concerning issues relating to modern families.

Janet is beyond amazing; a complete delight to instruct. A true phenomenon in court and also excellent in her ability to be reassuring and kind to her client.

She is able to litigate the most complex of cases, whilst maintaining a compassionate and solution-focused approach.

Her strategic insight and pragmatic advice are always second to none, as is her ability to put the client at ease.

A go-to silk for all my most difficult cases. She is frankly superb.

Janet is one of the most down to earth and human people to work with, and alongside that, she has encyclopaedic knowledge of the law. A silent assassin in court.

1
Pamela Warner
1
Band 1

Pamela Warner is an experienced and respected practitioner who specialises in public law children work. She primarily deals with matters relating to the most serious abuse and harm connected with children. Warner is accustomed to dealing with cases involving concurrent criminal proceedings and was appointed a Recorder in 2009. She further attracts recognition for her representation of guardians in care proceedings.

She has a great manner and is able to identify solutions within the most complex of cases that can disarm even the most contentious of advocates with ease.

Pam is an excellent advocate and generous with her time and advice in support of the client's case.

Pamela is always well prepared and develops detailed knowledge of a case. She provides thorough and detailed advice and her expertise in all children law matters is exceptional.

Pamela is extremely hardworking, thorough and very committed. Her attention to detail is amazing and her written documents are very carefully crafted, focused and impactful.

Andrew Norton
2
Andrew Norton
2
Band 2

Andrew Norton KC is a children law specialist, equally at home handling public and private law cases. He is routinely instructed on behalf of local authorities, parents and children. He demonstrates adroit judgement in sensitive cases involving complex medical evidence.

Andrew is a hugely impressive silk with considerable poise and presence. His preparation and organisation are exceptional and one always feels one is in the most competent of hands with him.

Very calm under pressure and a very amenable and reasonable opponent. He's extremely courteous and fair-minded.

Daisy Hughes
2
Daisy Hughes
2
Band 2

Daisy Hughes is an experienced child practitioner who handles all manner of adoption and Children Act cases. She has particular expertise in acrimonious cases involving domestic violence and non-accidental injury. Hughes also frequently acts in serious care proceedings, including those touching on sexual abuse issues.

Pragmatic and sensitive, whilst being incredibly supportive to clients. She is a truly excellent advocate and someone with phenomenal judgement.

She has exceptional client management skills.

One of the best juniors around, and someone who always has an eye on the bigger picture and the end result.

Daisy is exceptional. She is my preferred counsel for complex private law children matters. Her judgement is impeccable, and she is both strategic and pragmatic.

David Burles
2
David Burles
2
Band 2

Well-regarded matrimonial finance lawyer David Burles focuses on disputes concerning the distribution of assets after relationship breakdown. He is also proficient in financial remedy work involving cross-border and jurisdiction issues. Burles further handles private children work.

David is excellent on all fronts - an absolute pleasure to deal with.

David is a team player who works with instructing solicitors to provide the best service possible to a client. He is always well prepped.

David is meticulous in his attention to detail and has the ability to make the most difficult of issues seem easy to understand.

Doushka Krish
2
Doushka Krish
2
Band 2

Children law barrister Doushka Krish has a reputation as a fearsome opponent. She appears in private children law disputes concerning transfers of residence and parental contact. She also acts on behalf of local authorities in public law proceedings, and has experience of handling cases involving non-accidental injury and child death. Krish also regularly appears before the High Court.

Her preparation is meticulous and she always brings much welcomed perspective to cases.

Doushka is wonderful; she can grasp significant evidence and complex issues so quickly and deliver her clients' cases with such elegance and clarity in court.

She is extremely diligent and forensic and goes above and beyond to fight for her clients. She puts others to shame with her preparation and once in court, she commands the room.

She is a barrister that you always want to be representing your client rather than against them. A dream to work with on a case.

Doushka has a meticulous eye for detail and is an incredible advocate. He ensures that the court is fully aware of all of the issues in the case.

Gemma Kelly
2
Gemma Kelly
2
Band 2

Gemma Kelly has a strong reputation for her handling of a wide range of children work. Her experience includes cases concerning allegations of sexual abuse and fictitious illness. She has notable experience in high-profile matters before the High Court.

Gemma is fantastic to work with. She is calm under pressure and offers sensible, insightful advice in even the most complex matters.

Gemma is a really dependable barrister. She is always prepared, and provides sound advice and strong representation for clients.

She's extremely academic, but also has a strong warmth to her. She is able to translate that strong academic mastery of the law to a case and also apply a human touch.

Gemma's sensitivity in dealing with extremely vulnerable parents is remarkable. She has the ability to dictate the shape of the case through the force of her clear and persuasive advocacy.

2
Lucy Sprinz
2
Band 2

Lucy Sprinz covers the full spectrum of children issues, specialising in particular in care proceedings. She additionally has a burgeoning practice dealing in cases concerning alternative families. Sprinz attracts praise from sources for her handling of sensitive cases and her excellent client care.

A really bright spark, who is great to work with behind the scenes and fantastic in court. An exceptional advocate.

She is a superb barrister for complex private contact cases. The work Lucy puts in is incredible and it shows.

Lucy is just incredible at children work. Her legal knowledge, court presence, strategic thinking and client care are all astounding.

She has a kind, supportive manner with clients, but doesn't shy away from giving tough advice.

Nkumbe Ekaney
2
Nkumbe Ekaney
2
Band 2

Nkumbe Ekaney KC represents parents and children in public and private child law cases, with particular expertise advising on matters concerning serious non-accidental injuries. He is also experienced at handling matters that concern FGM, radicalisation, sexual assault, neglect and child death. His practice takes in cases with prominent international, cultural and religious aspects.

Nkumbe achieves good outcomes as a result of his calm, methodical and intellectual approach to cases.

An outstanding cross-examiner. He identifies killer points and questions people on them to devastating effect.

Penny Clapham
2
Penny Clapham
2
Band 2

Penelope Clapham has a mixed practice and handles both high-value matrimonial finance and sensitive children matters, tackling work which often features a strong international element. She is also experienced at handling TOLATA disputes and cases involving medical concerns.

Penny Clapham is extremely assertive and fearless as an advocate. She's very persuasive and robust in her advocacy, but also extremely friendly and approachable to clients.

Penny is a robust advocate who earns the respect of clients and opponents due to her no-nonsense style.

Penny provides a very high level of client service and is always well organised and on top of practice and procedure.

Siobhan F Kelly
2
Siobhan F Kelly
2
Band 2

Siobhan Kelly is an expert in public law children proceedings, who acts on behalf of guardians and parents in complex care cases, often in the context of non-accidental injury, child death, neglect and serious criminal proceedings. She has extensive experience of cases involving factitious induced illness allegations.

Siobhan brings a great combination of skills and knowledge. She provides clear analysis, strong advocacy and excellent client care.

She has an exceptional legal mind and presents a case very well in court, cutting through the issues and assisting the court to reach the best outcome for the children at the heart of the matter.

Siobhan is a very experienced barrister who is very robust in court and knows which way to play things.

She is a thoroughly prepared advocate who shows great attention to detail.

Clients very much value her representation. Her knowledge and expertise are excellent.

Steven Ashworth
2
Steven Ashworth
2
Band 2

Highly regarded child specialist Steven Ashworth frequently represents vulnerable mothers and local authorities in care proceedings. He has an impressive portfolio of cases concerning allegations of non-accidental injury and sexual abuse, as well as severe mental health problems.

Steven's quality as a tactician shines through in his approach to every case. He also has an unique ability to gain the confidence of even the most difficult client.

Steven helps with strategy and thinks out of the box to get the best results. He is efficient, responsive and knowledgeable and he demonstrates unwavering dedication to every case.

Every aspect of the case that he is instructed on is done in a timely fashion and at the highest level, regardless of the complexity or the volume of work required.

As soon as Steven is briefed, he takes the time to read the papers. He gets an in-depth understanding of the case and provides clear, helpful advice.

Alison Moore
3
Alison Moore
3
Band 3

Alison Moore handles very serious public law children matters with a sensitive approach, especially when dealing with vulnerable witnesses. She has significant experience in very complex matters, including death cases and high-stakes medical treatment matters.

She is knowledgeable, experienced and always well prepared. Her advocacy is excellent and she always takes time to discuss cases in detail.

Alison has an exceptional client manner and is always calm under pressure.

Annabel Barrons
3
Annabel Barrons
3
Band 3

Annabel Barrons is a recognised junior with a broad practice in both financial and children proceedings. She frequently handles cases concerning non-disclosure, company accounts, offshore assets and domestic abuse.

A formidable advocate with incredible attention to detail. Annabel is an absolute dream to work with. She really goes above and beyond for her clients.

She knows the case inside out and is always on hand to help her instructing solicitors. Her advocacy rivals that of any silk and clients love her.

Annabel is a really strong advocate in court. Clients always feel supported by her.

Claire Heppenstall
3
Claire Heppenstall
3
Band 3

Claire Heppenstall handles complex financial and children law work and often leads proceedings concerning both. She often represents clients in domestic and cross-border child arrangement disputes. Heppenstall is commended for her tactical approach to her cases, which involve issues of serious abuse and related concerns.

Clients greatly appreciate her calm and knowledgeable manner and her willingness to make herself available to discuss problems at short notice.

A supremely calm advocate who instantly reassures her clients.

Claire is empathetic and careful but gives very robust advice where required.

Helen Jefferson
3
Helen Jefferson
3
Band 3

Helen Jefferson is a family junior who handles both private children and matrimonial finance cases for a range of clients including high net worth individuals. She has a broad practice and experience of cases with Schedule 1 aspects attached to them.

Helen is extremely likeable and provides an excellent service to clients. She is a calm and confident advocate.

Helen Jefferson is technically brilliant and excellent at cross-examination.

Helen is just amazing. She always reads the papers, prepares the case well and gets a great outcome for the client.

Helen is a first-class negotiator, who is also unwavering in her advocacy. She forges strong relationships with clients who trust her advice and ability without hesitation.

She effortlessly blends empathetic and understanding client handling skills with an easy command of complex legal matters. In court, her presentation is clear and impressive presentation.

3
Henry Lamb
3
Band 3

Henry Lamb is a respected barrister recognised for his representation of children and extended family members. He has acted on child abduction and non-accidental injury cases, as well as physical and sexual abuse allegations. He has appeared before all levels of court.

Henry Lamb is a very strong and able advocate. You are in safe hands with him.

Jessica Lee
3
Jessica Lee
3
Band 3

Jessica Lee is a family law barrister with particular experience of handling both public and private law children's cases. She frequently represents clients in non- accidental injury, fictitious illness and parental alienation cases. She has additional experience in Court of Protection work.

She is really a dream to work with due to her lovely manner. She is very down to earth, very approachable and wonderful with the clients.

Jessica Lee is a well-rounded family lawyer, who has extremely good client facing skills.

Jessica inspires confidence in clients and communicates difficult messages with understanding and empathy in sensitive cases.

Katherine Dunseath
3
Katherine Dunseath
3
Band 3

Katherine Dunseath is a respected advocate whose busy family law practice encompasses financial remedy cases and private children law. She is experienced in handling cases concerning relocation and child abduction, and also represents clients in applications relating to periodical payment orders.

Her preparation is faultless and clients are always impressed by her ability to assimilate wider commercial considerations.

Katherine Dunseath is clever, extremely knowledgeable and very much appreciated by clients for fighting their corner.

Truly amazing in terms of preparation, client handling and advocacy.

Katherine is sensitive to the issues at hand and navigates difficult emotional issues with tenacity. She always puts clients at ease.

Katherine is tenacious in court, and always on top of practice and procedure.

Laura Briggs
3
Laura Briggs
3
Band 3

Laura Briggs KC is a children law silk focusing on complex public law matters including sexual abuse and non-accidental injury cases, often with an international element. She is also experienced in complex proceedings involving radicalisation and refugees. Briggs further sits as a Recorder on the South Eastern Family Circuit.

She makes cross-examination look really easy and the quality of her written advocacy is pretty unmatched. She's also brilliant tactically.

Laura commanded the courtroom and had an excellent understanding of the complex legal principles in the case. She also communicated effectively with the client.

Louise MacLynn
3
Louise MacLynn
3
Band 3

Family practitioner Louise MacLynn KC has a practice that encompasses sensitive matters which often have parallel criminal proceedings or multi-jurisdictional aspects attached. She routinely acts in cases concerning investigations into child deaths, sexual assault allegations and fabricated illness. MacLynn has experience of appearing before the Supreme Court.

She was able to present clear arguments and written submissions reflecting my professional client's instructions immaculately.

Louise MacLynn handles matters with professionalism and expertise.

Marlene Cayoun
3
Marlene Cayoun
3
Band 3

Marlene Cayoun has assisted with historic abuse inquiries of the most serious and sensitive nature, both led and unled. She also handles matters concerning adoption and international abduction.

She is very responsive and excellent at drafting complicated orders quickly. Her forensic and analytical skills are also very impressive.

She deals sensitively and adeptly with complex children cases. Marlene is highly eloquent and persuasive both on paper and in her oral submissions.

Matthew Fletcher
3
Matthew Fletcher
3
Band 3

Matthew Fletcher offers clients a multidisciplinary approach, having a background in both children law and immigration law. His practice ranges from internationally focused matters to work aiding vulnerable clients in proceedings against local authorities. He also has experience in the overlap between family law and human rights issues.

Matt is great to work with. He puts clients at ease and has a good manner with judge. presenting cases in a clear persuasive manner.

Matthew is an exceptionally skilled barrister. He is brilliant at handling cases involving allegations of domestic abuse, bringing laser sharp focus and sensitivity to these difficult matters.

Matt dissects the evidence, evaluates the case and gives an informed opinion which is right every time. His forensic approach is fantastic and clients love him.

Matt is always a strong advocate; he's a very safe and reliable instruction.

HIs advice to clients is refreshingly pragmatic and his advocacy is strong and persuasive.

Nasstassia Hylton
3
Nasstassia Hylton
3
Band 3

Nasstassia Hylton is a respected barrister with growing recognition in children law. She is notable for her ability across a range of matters, including leave to remove and international adoption cases. She has additional strength in sensitive child arrangement disputes.

If I could work with her on every case, I'd be inclined to do so. She is confident without being brash, resourceful without being sharp and someone who works harder than any of her contemporaries.

Nasstassia Hylton is excellent - she cuts through complicated issues to find a way forward.

Nasstassia is great to have on your team. She gives sensible advice and is unflappable in tumultuous litigation.

Nasstassia's calming and thorough approach combined with great strategic oversight instils confidence in clients from the outset.

Olivia Magennis
3
Olivia Magennis
3
Band 3

Olivia Magennis handles a range of complex public and private children law matters. She has significant experience acting in parental order issues, declarations of parentage and abductions at all levels of court including the Court of Appeal. Her work often involves international elements. She is also a qualified arbitrator.

She is able to get on top of complex matters quickly, is really responsive and easy to work with, and is thorough and attentive to detail without getting bogged down in it.

Olivia is excellent all round, but her advocacy in particular is unparalleled.

An excellent advocate, who is always thoroughly prepared.

Olivia Magennis is very well prepared and client-focused. She instils confidence and in court she is a persuasive and powerful advocate.

Philip Perrins
3
Philip Perrins
3
Band 3

Philip Perrins is a family barrister who has experience of acting in multi-jurisdictional Part III claims. Perrins frequently advises on enforcement orders and also handles financial remedy disputes involving pensions, properties and offshore trust structures.

His knowledge of case law and statute is encyclopaedic. Philip is always available to discuss cases before and after hearings and goes above and beyond for his instructing solicitors and clients.

Philip is a barrister of strong intellect and superb knowledge. He takes a sensible down-to-earth approach, which he leavens with humour.

Philip is very knowledgeable, logical and technical.

Philip's is an outstanding barrister. He is a great tactical thinker and has the ability to deal with really difficult clients in such a calm and professional manner.

From the moment you start speaking with Philip, you know he is extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of financial work.

Rebecca Mitchell
3
Rebecca Mitchell
3
Band 3

Rebecca Mitchell is recognised for her representation of vulnerable people in difficult children law cases. She also acts for parents, guardians and local authorities in non-accidental injury and abuse matters, among numerous other issues. Mitchell is very well versed in cases involving international elements.

Rebecca worked with great care, compassion and commitment, engaging our client effectively in very difficult circumstances and providing high quality representation.

Rebecca is fantastic. Nothing fazes her and she takes everything in her stride, which is really reassuring for clients.

Rebecca is a strong advocate, who is always well prepared and able to handle any case very well.

Sam Momtaz KC
3
Sam Momtaz KC
3
Band 3

Sam Momtaz KC has a real depth of experience in children matters, and is frequently instructed on behalf of local authorities, parents and children in public law care issues. He is accustomed to handling cases which include sexual and physical abuse and non-accidental injury matters.

Sam Momtaz is a very robust as an advocate.

Sam is extremely good, very thorough and technically very sound. He's a robust cross-examiner, who always knows his case very well and is very forensic in his approach.

Sharon Segal
3
Sharon Segal
3
Band 3

Sharon Segal KC is a highly regarded practitioner who specialises in dealing with vulnerable clients in private and public law cases which can involve additional criminal proceedings. She is routinely instructed by high-profile individuals across many jurisdictions. Her private law experience includes leave to remove matters, international surrogacy and cases concerning broader child arrangements.

Sharon is incredible - so knowledgeable and such an impressive advocate. She is also so generous with her time and always willing to discuss a tricky issue.

Sharon is totally unflappable and very good on her feet.

Her advice is spot on and she is strategic. When she speaks, judges listen. She gives very clear, firm advice to clients.

3
Susan George
3
Band 3

Susan George is an international children specialist handling complex cases mainly relating to mental health, neglect, abuse and vulnerable clients. She represents all parties, though largely acts on behalf of local authorities and guardians. George is well versed in dealing with cases concerning complex jurisdictional issues.

Susan George is a very solid care practitioner, with good judgement, solid legal knowledge and excellent client care skills. She is very easy to work with.

Susan is a top-notch barrister with a wealth of experience. She is the ideal barrister for complex cases and is hard working, well prepared, analytical and good to work with.

Tom Wilson
3
Tom Wilson
3
Band 3

Tom Wilson is a well-regarded barrister who has a specialised practice in surrogacy issues, and is experienced in non-accidental injury matters. He also assists with cases which have international aspects, and has expertise in adoption, abuse and radicalisation matters.

Tom has an impressive command of fertility and modern family law. Nothing is ever too much trouble; he goes the extra mile and he is a pleasure to work with.

Tom Wilson is always meticulously prepared and has a very good client care manner.

He has a calm and assured style of advocacy that belies his years of call. He is going straight to the top.

Tom listened and acted on our requests throughout our case and truly believed in us and our fight. His meticulous questioning of the evidence was respectful and thorough in equal measure.

Joseph Moore
4
Joseph Moore
4
Band 4

Joseph Moore has a strong matrimonial finance practice that sees him acting in a wide range of high net worth matters. He is able to act in cases involving TOLATA issues, asset tracing and Schedule 1 matters. Many of Moore's cases also involve cross-border issues.

Joseph was a true professional. He worked tirelessly on my case and was very reliable.

He is a very safe pair of hands and very popular with my clients.

He balances expert knowledge with a good relationship with the client, and takes a team approach with solicitors, which is refreshing. He is also excellent in front of the judges.

Joseph has excellent client care skills in often very tricky and highly emotional cases.

Joseph Moore is always calm and goes the extra mile. He shows excellent attention to detail whilst retaining strong overall strategic sense.

Julia Gasparro
4
Julia Gasparro
4
Band 4

Julia Gasparro specialises in cases relating to children. In the public law sphere, she assists parents and children with matters involving non-accidental injury and sexual abuse. In private law, she is on-hand to guide clients through child abduction and relocation cases.

A strong advocate who is patient, good with clients and highly competent.

Julia was fantastic with the client and accommodating to her needs. She assisted me in ensuring no stone was unturned in considering the evidence.

Julia provides thoughtful and expert advice and gives an excellent consistent service. She works really hard for her clients.

Julia is exceptionally strong with cross-border issues including immigration, and is a polite yet firm advocate. She is lovely to work alongside.

Julia was extremely confident and knowledgeable. Both the client and I felt as though we were in safe hands.

4
Luke Eaton
4
Band 4

Luke Eaton is a strong children law specialist with an impressive knowledge of matters related to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008. He is also frequently sought to advise on a wide range of children cases including placement disputes and foster care issues and is well-versed in cases involving jurisdictional elements.

Luke is a brilliant barrister whom it is a pleasure to work with. Approachable and helpful, he works hard to achieve good outcomes for clients. His written and oral advocacy are both strong.

An excellent advocate.

Luke is exceptionally talented and has a keen eye for detail. He is a delight to deal with on every occasion.

An up and coming barrister who is knowledgeable and good with clients. He is very helpful.

Melissa Elsworth
4
Melissa Elsworth
4
Band 4

Melissa Elsworth has an impressive family practice in which she regularly acts in modern families matters. She has significant strength in such issues as surrogacy and assisted reproduction.

Melissa's preparation and manner with clients are exceptional.

She takes a very calm and considered approach to even highly contentious matters which helps her client's views to be heard.

Melissa is without doubt the most helpful, organised and thorough junior counsel I instruct. Her preparation is amazing and she is always on top of her cases.

4
Rachel Gillman
4
Band 4

Rachel Gillman is a private and public law barrister with a strong market reputation. She frequently appears in children proceedings involving the most serious allegations of sexual abuse and murder. Gillman is further skilled at representing parents in international child abduction cases.

Rachel is technically able and strong in facing up to opponents.

Very good in care proceedings and, particularly, with fact finding hearings. She is great at assisting clients who have a slim chance of success.

She provided an unmatched service for my client. She worked with her gently to ensure that her views were heard but also provided practical advice which the client appreciated.

Even when faced with a case where the evidence can be stacked against her, she impresses with her drive to do the best by the client.

She is simply brilliant. Alongside that, she is a kind and compassionate person. Her ability to think outside the box is impressive.

Samantha Whittam
4
Samantha Whittam
4
Band 4

Samantha Whittam has notable experience in both the public and private sides of the Children Bar. She has extensive expertise in non-accidental injury, deprivation of liberty and contentious care proceedings.

Samantha is a truly excellent barrister who is very sharp-witted and forensic. She demonstrates great client care.

An exceptional advocate with great client rapport.

Samantha is an excellent advocate with immaculate attention to detail. Her client care is outstanding.

Simon Sugar
4
Simon Sugar
4
Band 4

Simon Sugar is noted for his work dealing with complex matrimonial finance cases often for high net worth individuals. He is adept at handling financial remedy disputes involving Chancery and property claims, and has particular experience in TOLATA matters.

He often thinks outside the box and has exceptional experience in high net worth cases.

Simon is the source of all knowledge in cohabitation disputes, particularly those involving cases under Schedule 1 of the Children Act.

A formidable advocate who commands the respect of the judiciary and his peers. He provides robust advice and is good with clients.

He really knows his procedure and case law. When dealing with clients that are feeding you all sorts of information that's not relevant, he's good at keeping them focused on what is relevant.

He is experienced and has a good bedside manner with clients. Simon is good at cutting through issues to find a pragmatic solution.

U
Lucy Maxwell
U
Up and Coming

Lucy Maxwell frequents the High Court and Court of Appeal in domestic abuse cases amongst other family law matters ranging from coercive control to foster care. She is also notable for representing clients in international relocation matters.

Lucy is one of the best children barristers I have worked with. She is committed to her clients and works tirelessly for them.

Niamh Daly
U
Niamh Daly
U
Up and Coming

Niamh Daly is a well-respected up and coming children law specialist, who has a particular focus on public law work. She has expertise in a broad range of matters such as adoption, foster care placements and allegations of abuse. Daly advises regularly in both domestic and international matters.

Niamh is a very intelligent barrister. She can see a case from all angles and isn't fazed by the complexity of it.

Niamh's attention to detail is outstanding and she has a wealth of technical knowledge. She always approaches a case with a keen eye and is scrupulously well prepared.

She effectively worked through a strategy that put the client in a stronger position. I'd instruct her in a heartbeat on just about everything.

Niamh Daly is very hard-working, extremely bright and someone who provides excellent client care.

Richard Jones
New Silks

Richard Jones is recognised for his expertise in challenging private law children proceedings and noted for his charming client manner. He handles a large volume of complex cases relating to parents seeking contact with their children and exhibits strength in the growing area of surrogacy. He is also instructed by local authorities, guardians and parents in serious cases such as those concerning radicalisation.

Richard is extremely able and a joy to work with. His knowledge of the law is impressive, and he has a personable and persuasive style of advocacy.

Richard has an enviable legal practice and has expert knowledge across the full range of children matters.

He is collaborative where possible, but is a forensic advocate who will make his client's case forcefully and persuasively.

Richard is someone who really fights for his client. He gives good, pragmatic advice and is an amazing support to his instructing solicitors.

He is incisive and intellectual, with an incredible court manner and excellent client care skills.

Ranked Barristers at
1GC|Family Law

Provided by Chambers
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Silks (KC)

London (Bar)

Family: Children

Charles Geekie KC
Charles Geekie KC
Star Individuals
Sally Stone KC
Sally Stone KC
Star Individuals
Andrew Bagchi KC
1
Andrew Bagchi KC
1
Band 1
Janet Bazley KC
1
Janet Bazley KC
1
Band 1
Andrew Norton KC
2
Andrew Norton KC
2
Band 2
Nkumbe Ekaney KC
2
Nkumbe Ekaney KC
2
Band 2
Laura Briggs KC
3
Laura Briggs KC
3
Band 3
Louise MacLynn KC
3
Louise MacLynn KC
3
Band 3
Sam Momtaz KC
3
Sam Momtaz KC
3
Band 3
Sharon Segal KC
3
Sharon Segal KC
3
Band 3
Richard Jones KC
New Silks

Juniors

London (Bar)

Family: Children

Catherine Jenkins
1
Catherine Jenkins
1
Band 1
1
Pamela Warner
1
Band 1
Daisy Hughes
2
Daisy Hughes
2
Band 2
Doushka Krish
2
Doushka Krish
2
Band 2
2
Eleri Jones
2
Band 2
Gemma Kelly
2
Gemma Kelly
2
Band 2
2
Lucy Sprinz
2
Band 2
Siobhan F Kelly
2
Siobhan F Kelly
2
Band 2
Steven Ashworth
2
Steven Ashworth
2
Band 2
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